WHAT
A solo presentation by the Japanese artist (b.1954), the exhibition is a series of paintings inspired by the natural beauty of Yakushima Island, known for its captivating mossy forests. With his background in nihonga (traditional Japanese painting using minerals and pigments), the artist’s oeuvres explore the relationship between humans and nature. The subject matter in his paintings extend beyond realism and are transformed into splendid imaginary scenes, demonstrating the artist’s awe towards humanity’s oneness with nature.

WHY
The featured paintings offer a modern take on traditional Japanese art, showcasing the extent of the applications of mineral pigments to depict Japan’s natural landscapes. Visitors are also able to see the incorporation of new elements in the artist’s painting, which now include silhouettes of human figures. In particular, the artist’s mastery of different techniques is highlighted, including the use of Iwa-enogu (mineral pigments), a material traditionally used in Japanese painting.